Stern Announces Upcoming Release Of 'NASCAR Pinball'

Marcus Webb

Stern Pinball Inc. has scored one of North America's hottest licenses for its new "NASCAR Pinball," which company officials said is slated to begin shipping in late July.

Designed by Pat Lawlor and his team at Pat Lawlor Design, the game features cars from three real-life race teams (the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge driven by Rusty Wallace of Penske Racing South; the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick of Richard Childress Racing; and the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford driven by Ricky Rudd of Wood Brothers Racing).

"NASCAR Pinball is the kind of game and license combination that comes around only so often," said Lawlor. "We believe we have created an exciting game for both casual and more experienced players." Key members of the "NASCAR Pinball" design team at Lawlor included software designer Louis Koziarz, mechanical engineer John Krutsch, graphic artist John Youssi and sound engineer Chris Granner.

A recreation of the NASCAR racetrack encompasses the pin game's entire playing surface. Energized by magnets, the loop sends pinballs rolling around like cars racing around a track. Players can launch a ball through a "truck hauler" on the playfield. One key target is a test car that the player can bang with the pinball.

The game includes a voice-over from Allen Bestwick, NASCAR television analyst for NBC, and utilizes recording artist Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55," a popular tune among NASCAR fans.

"'NASCAR Pinball' is a terrific simulation of the experience one gets while at the racetrack," said Blake Davidson, NASCAR's managing director of licensed products. "The speed and acceleration demonstrated by the race cars are displayed through the game itself."

NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is the most famous name associated with the second highest-rated sport on U.S. television. Operators can see the game at authorized distributors or contact Stern Pinball at 2020 Janice Ave., Melrose Park, IL60160; tel. (708) 345-7700; sternpinball.com.